Leicestershire CCC is delighted to announce Sam Wood has signed his first professional contract with the Club.

The 19-year-old, who began his journey with the Foxes at the age of nine, has put pen to paper on a two-year deal at Uptonsteel County Ground.

Wood, a 6ft 4” all-rounder, was an ever-present in Leicestershire’s Second Eleven Championship title-winning team in 2023, helping Dips Patel’s side finish unbeaten at the top of the table.

The Markfield-born star also enjoyed a fruitful summer with the Academy, scoring his runs at 35.65 and picking up his wickets at 18.90 across 24 appearances.

It followed a superb 2022 campaign, during which Wood passed the 1,000-run mark at an average of 42.56 and claimed 36 wickets.

Upon signing his first professional deal, Wood said: “I’m really looking forward to getting going. We’ve got a competitive squad and hopefully we can build on the success of last season."

“The lads have been very welcoming. Pre-season has been tough physically, as you’d expect, but I’m really enjoying working with Fonz (Alfonso Thomas), Titch (James Taylor) and Dave (Whitmore)."

“It’s been very encouraging to see so many lads come through the Academy. Someone like Hully (Josh Hull) acts as a great inspiration. I’ve worked with him a lot over the past couple of years and we’re very close, so it’s great to see what he’s done at First Team level. Hopefully, I can emulate that form next season.”

Director of Cricket, Claude Henderson, said: “It's fantastic to see Sam getting his rookie contract. He is another young, exciting talent from our Academy and he adds a threat in all three departments. We are really looking forward to following his progress in the coming seasons.”

Wood becomes the latest Fox to graduate from the Club’s esteemed Academy, following the likes of Rehan Ahmed, Harry Swindells and Josh Hull in recent summers.